Bitcoin Payment Stores

A Bitcoin payment store is an offline business where Bitcoin can be used as a real payment method, not just in theory. Stores listed on the Akasha Bitcoin Payment Map are not simply marked as "Bitcoin accepted." They are verified, actively operating businesses where Bitcoin payments are actually available.

The goal of the Akasha Bitcoin Payment Map is to connect real-world spaces where Bitcoin can be experienced as usable money, not merely as an investment asset. Through this, users and small businesses meet directly, creating a decentralized, wallet-to-wallet payment flow in the real world.

Akasha Bitcoin payment stores are operated based on the following criteria:

Actively Operating Businesses

Only businesses with verified official business registration can be listed. This minimizes false or temporary listings and ensures stores are actually visitable. Businesses involved in illegal activities (such as drugs, gambling, or explicit content) are not permitted.

Bitcoin Payments Enabled

Only stores that can actually accept Bitcoin as a payment method are listed as Bitcoin payment stores. Akasha is designed primarily around Lightning Network payments to enable fast and efficient transactions.

Up-to-Date Information

Each listing includes key information such as:

• Business hours
• Contact details
• Messenger links
• Website or SNS
• Photos and menus

This helps users verify store status before visiting.

Registering as a Bitcoin payment store brings several benefits:

• International Bitcoin travelers begin finding your store through the map
• Customers who prefer paying without cash or cards increase
• Payments are made directly, without intermediary fees
• Your business becomes part of the global Bitcoin network, attracting international customers

① Download the Akasha App & Sign Up

The Akasha app is available for free on both Apple and Android app stores. After downloading, complete a simple sign-up process.

• Sign up using only a nickname and email (Google and Apple email login supported)
• No unnecessary personal information required
• Designed to respect Bitcoiner privacy and autonomy

After signing up, go to "My Profile" and select "Business Registration" to start store registration.

② Enter Store Information

On the Business Registration page, please enter the following details:

• Store Name : Enter both English and native language names. (In non-English-speaking countries, both will be displayed.)
• Short Description : A brief description of your store. Keywords entered here are reflected in global search results.
• Website / SNS : Register your active website or social media link.
• Owner Name : Enter the official name registered under the business license.
• Business Registration Number : Required to verify that the store is actively operating.
• Address : Enter the exact store location. Please confirm that the address appears correctly on the map.
• Phone Number : A reachable business phone number.
• Business Category : Accommodation / Restaurant / Café / Beauty / Wellness / Travel / Entertainment / Shopping / Services / Other
• SNS Messenger Contact : WhatsApp number or Telegram handle, allowing customers to contact you easily.
• Supported Payment Methods : Select supported payment options and register wallet addresses. QR payment information will be displayed directly in the app. (Lightning / On-chain / Binance Pay supported)

All information must be accurate to ensure proper service. Once completed, tap "Save Business Information."

③ Business Verification

After submission, business registration verification is conducted to confirm the store is actively operating.

• Verification helps prevent false listings
• Approval typically takes 1–2 days
• Once approved, the store is automatically listed
• Illegal businesses will be rejected

④ Prepare for Bitcoin Payments

This step prepares your store to receive Bitcoin payments.

• Stores with an existing Lightning wallet may continue using it
• Stores without a Lightning wallet can easily create one within the Akasha app

To create a wallet:

• Tap the "Wallet" button at the bottom of the app
• Write down the automatically generated mnemonic (recovery phrase) on paper
• Confirm the mnemonic as instructed to complete wallet creation

Once wallet setup is complete, you can start receiving Bitcoin payments immediately.

⑤ Bitcoin Payment Store Registration Complete

Once approved by the Akasha team:

• Your store appears on the Akasha Bitcoin Map
• Your store is visible to users worldwide
• Your store is marked as a Bitcoin payment store
• You can update store information at any time